In 37 career games, Arrelious Benn has 862 yards receiving and five total touchdowns. (CSN)

When most players are asked to describe their reaction to a trade, most say they were surprised.

Arrelious Benn wasn't.

The Eagles last week acquired Benn from Tampa Bay and on Thursday signed the fourth-year wide receiver to a one-year extension through 2014. The 39th overall pick of the 2010 draft, Benn is still waiting to meet the expectations that come with being a second-round pick.

And he knew it wasn't going to happen in Tampa. So when he heard about the trade, Benn was pleased.

"I was excited," he said. "I'm from D.C. Quick ride up the street."

But that's not really why he was excited.

"I wanted to move forward," he said. "I didn't want to be there."

And the feeling was mutual.

"I was expecting [to be on a new team]," he said.

"I just needed a change of scenery. I just needed a fresh start. The situation just wasn't going right."

Benn started nine of 14 games played as a rookie with the Buccaneers, recording 25 catches for 395 yards and two scores. He started all 14 games he played in 2011, but his production increased only moderately -- 30 for 441 and three.

Last season he had four receptions for 26 yards in eight game (one start) before being placed on injured reserve because of knee and shoulder injuries. Or maybe there was more to it.

"My shoulder wasn't an issue," he said. "My knee really wasn't an issue, but things need to be done. I ended up on I.R. I took it. I'm bouncing back."

That said, Benn doesn't deny that injuries have been an issue for him. He suffered a torn ACL in Week 16 of his rookie season, a concussion in 2011 and a sprained MCL last year in training camp.

Regardless of whether he should have been on I.R. or not last year, he blames injuries for his unfulfilled potential.

"To be honest with you, I don't like my career. I've got to stay healthy," he said. "I've had a problem with injuries. When I was healthy out there, I made plays. I was consistent. The big thing for me is to stay healthy. It's no secret. I know that. I'm going to be honest with myself and just come in here and do what I've got to do. The old [way] wasn't working, so I'm finding new ways to stay healthy -- doing the little things that I've got to do."

Like what?

"Maybe not being so physical -- the little things that I do," the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Benn said. "Go down sometimes. That's pretty much it."

But being physical is a key part of his game.

"Get the ball in my hands, [I'm] a guy that can run after the catch," he said.

Which makes him a candidate to not only play outside -- where he's normally played -- but also in the slot.

"I think I have the skill set to play both," he said. "I think I'm a mismatch in the slot with my speed and size."

That makes him an attractive red zone option, which the Eagles have sorely lacked. They've also lacked a prolific kick returner. Benn can do that, too. Last season he returned 13 kickoffs for 306 yards (average of 23.5) with a long of 55.

But the only way he'll be able to do any of those things is if he stays healthy.